Some of the hardest places to clean in the kitchen are cabinets and vents above the stove. Over time, grease can build up and create a sticky and stubborn mess that seems impossible to clean. Instead of reaching for harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbers, use this double-duty item: dish soap. Liquid dish soap is designed to cut through grease, so using it to clean these tough areas can do the job.

Many items in the kitchen that are stainless steel are easily recyclable. Items like metal flatware (forks, spoons and large serving pieces) can be tossed into your curbside recycling bin, and old mixing bowls and colanders -- if there are no plastic pieces -- can also be recycled. Even cooking utensils, like metal barbecue tools that were accidentally left out to rust, can be recycled. Large groups of stainless steel items can also be brought to scrap metal yards, where you'll get paid to recycle your items.

Many of us are looking for alternatives to plastic straws. Obviously, the simplest thing is to stop using straws. But for parents of small children, sometimes a drinking straw is necessary to keep fruit juices from getting all over their clothes. One alternative to consider is a silicone straw. They work just like plastic straws, but are reusable. They are dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and can be boiled to sterilize them.